The Oscar buzz is deafening for Sandra Bullock’s portrayal of an astronaut lost in space with George Clooney after a freak accident destroys their shuttle craft. Alfonso Cauron directs.

WADJDA

A young Saudi girl undauntedly fights for her dream of becoming a bicycle racer, an aspiration that makes her a heretic in the eyes of her nation and religion.

MOTHER OF GEORGE

Director Andrew Dosumnu paints a devastating picture of culture clash through the experiences of a Nigerian immigrant (Danai Gurira) who fails to conceive a child after marrying a Brooklyn restaurateur (Isaach De Bankolé).

METALLICA THROUGH THE NEVER

The brainy metal band marks its 32nd anniversary by mixing concert footage and fantasy into a 3-D extravaganza directed by Nimród Antal.